What Are the Main Parts of Your Heating Air Conditioning Unit?
It could be worthwhile to invest in a new unit in the event that your home’s air conditioner is old and in need of repairs. A residential HVAC professional can help you choose the best option for your needs.
Gas-powered air conditioners, also known as propane air conditioners, make use of natural gas to heat and condensers to run.
Evaporator
An evaporator coil is the part of your air conditioner that cools your home. The evaporator can be found within a box connected to your gas furnace or within it (if you own one). If you don’t, the evaporator can be found in an air handler. The evaporator is the place where the refrigerant liquid is transformed into a gas and absorbs heat from the home’s indoor air.
The evaporator consists of one or more copper coils tightly packed. The refrigerant is able to reach the coils at a low pressure, making it easier to transfer heat as it evaporates to a gaseous state.
A fan blows warm air through the evaporator coil. The air is then cooled through the removal of heat from the evaporator, which alters the refrigerant’s temperatures and lowers the temperature of your home’s air. The cool air is circulated through the ductwork in your home to each room.
Contrary to the compressor, which has to produce refrigerant gas at high temperatures to ensure efficient cooling, the evaporator requires it to bring its boiling point to a lower temperature to allow for efficient air cooling. The evaporator makes use of its own fans to achieve this goal.
The evaporator’s metering device helps to ensure that the refrigerant has a constant level of liquid inside it. The low-side float is designed to open when there is no liquid in the evaporator and it closes when it sees liquid enter the coils.
There are two types of evaporators: noncased and cased. The most commonly used type of evaporator in your home is the cased one. It is housed inside the metal casing that protects the air conditioning unit. Uncased evaporators are similar to the cased evaporators, however they do not have an outer shell with protection.
Although both evaporators serve the same purpose, it’s crucial to select a model suitable for the requirements of your house. Certain models are better suited to harsher environments, while others may be better suited to milder conditions. Think about how easy it is to clean and maintain your evaporator. This can save you money, time and effort.
Condenser
The condenser is among the three main components of your air conditioning system which helps to keep it running efficiently. It is situated outside of the home, and is connected to the evaporator’s coil by refrigerant lines. It also houses a series of fans and metal fins that work to remove heat from the refrigerant gas that has been transferred from the evaporator. The heat removed from refrigerant gas allows it cool before turning back into liquid form.
A compressor is attached to a condenser unit. It operates to pressurize low-pressure liquid refrigeration that has been pumped out of the evaporator coil. The squeezing action of the compressor raises the temperature of the coolant, which is then pumped into condenser coils to absorb heat that is not being released from the surrounding air. Once the cooling cycle is complete, the refrigerant will be pushed into the compressor to be pumped under pressure before being sent back to the evaporator coil.
The condenser unit is exposed to the elements because it is outside. Debris, such as twigs leaves, grass clippings and roofing shingles may be thrown into the condenser unit and cause damage to it. A universal HVAC condenser can shield your heating and cooling equipment from damage while not in use.
Do not shade the condenser. Shades can limit air flow and force the compressor to work harder to cool your home. This can lead to more expensive energy bills as well as a loss of refrigerant.
Regular maintenance will ensure that your HVAC system is operating properly. A professional service technician examine all of the major components of your system on a regular basis can aid in preventing major problems from occurring. In addition having an expert service team monitor your refrigerant levels regularly can also help to avoid any issues from arising. By following these steps, you will be able to extend the longevity of your heating and cooling system and reduce the cost of energy.
Compressor
The compressor is the main component of your air conditioner. It pumps refrigerant through the system, which keeps everything cool. It’s like the blood that flows through your body when it pumps the coolant between your evaporator coils and condenser. If the compressor fails, the evaporator will not be able to do its job, and your home will be extremely hot.
There are many different types of HVAC compressors. Each one comes with its own advantages and drawbacks. A reciprocating compressor, as an example is one that has a piston moving upwards and downwards within the piston. This motion produces a suction that draws in the refrigerant. As the piston moves downwards it decreases the volume of gas. A discharge valve then opens to let the pressurized refrigeration to the condenser.
This type of compressor is equipped with a clutch, and a crankshaft that helps the piston compress the air. A rotary compressor has blades that are within the cylinder to help compress the air. This kind of compressor is very quiet, making it a popular option for residential use.
The HVAC compressors of both types are designed to increase the temperature of the liquid while it is compressed. This creates a high-pressure, high-temperature vapor. Since heat naturally flows from higher temperature substances to lower-temperature ones, the hot vapor will move into the evaporator coils, and transform back to its liquid state.
You can avoid the majority of AC issues by staying on top with your maintenance schedule. This will help your equipment last for a long time, and it will provide you with peace of mind knowing your home is always at ease. Griffith Energy Services can help you determine the best repair options if you have a compressor issue.
Thermostat
The thermostat is the brains of your heating and cooling system, enabling it to control the timing and manner in which it turns off and on. It measures the temperature of the air and compares it with the desired temperature set by a preset. If it is off by one or two degrees the thermostat will send an electronic signal that changes it towards the desired temperature. The majority of modern thermostats utilize a digital sensor called a thermistor to gauge the temperature. The thermistor consists of two different metals that expand at different rates when they get hot and cause them to bend in opposite directions. When the thermistor is at the temperature that it is set, it signals to the circuit board that your heating or AC should be switched on.
Newer models of thermostats have touchscreens that make them easy to operate and program. They are usually programmed to automatically heat or cool your home at specific times, which eliminates the effort of having to set it each day. They also provide reports on energy consumption so you can discover ways to reduce costs.
If you have an older electromechanical model, it is slightly more complex. It is made up of a bimetallic piece that is attached to a vial using mercury. If the temperature changes, it causes the mercury in the vial to shift, completing or interrupting an electrical circuit. When the vial is tilted, it triggers the thermostat to turn on the cooling or heating system.
To keep your thermostat in good condition You must be sure to clean it on a regular basis to remove any dust that has accumulated. Also, make sure that it isn’t bent or loose. In some instances, the thermostat’s readings could be inaccurate due to a damaged or dirty evaporator coil. In that case, you will have to contact a professional to fix it for you. If you are experiencing a different issue, for instance a blank display Try changing your batteries or making sure that your breaker isn’t in a state of being tripped. This is a good example of how you can improve the efficiency of your HVAC system more efficient by understanding it and maximizing its use.